Principal Software Architect

Job Description

Job Description

Principal Software Architect – Ground Systems & Fleet Automation

Location: Moriarty, NM or North Bay, CA
Job Type: Full-Time, Exempt

Reports to: Director of Operations

Who Are We:

Sceye is a high-growth technology company, building the next generation of instant communications, imaging and remote sensing infrastructure through stratospheric platforms.

Our lighter-than-air high-altitude platform systems (LTA HAPS) are capable of maintaining position over an operational area in the stratosphere (altitudes of 18 – 21km). They can carry multiple telecommunications, imaging and remote sensing payloads, providing unique functionality, cost, environmental and societal advantages.

Our HAPS can be deployed in a matter of days and at a fraction of the cost of traditional infrastructure solutions. This makes them an ideal solution for providing telecommunications connectivity, emergency solutions in the event of natural or other disasters, environmental and infrastructure monitoring, Earth observation and a range of defense applications.

Our customers & partners include some of the largest global telecommunications companies, infrastructure operators, climate researchers, civil and defense agencies.

At Sceye, we aim high, and we want you to join us at the stratospheric edge of innovation. As part of our mission-driven team, you’ll contribute to building breakthrough technologies that are changing the way we connect and observe the world. We are looking for individuals who bring not only deep expertise but also bold vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

About the Position:

Sceye is seeking a Principal Software Architect to design and lead the evolution of a modular, flexible, resilient, and secure ground software architecture that will grow with the company’s fleet management needs. This role is responsible for the "nervous system" of our operations, ensuring that as we scale to 24/7 global flight with multiple airborne platforms, our ground automation remains highly available and secure.

The Principal Software Architect will own the architectural vision for distributed systems spanning cloud, edge, and aircraft compute, bridging the gap between modern, fast-paced software development and rigorous aerospace safety cultures.

• Design the overall software architecture for ground automation and fleet management to ensure maximum resiliency and adaptability.
• Architect geographically replicated and distributed systems to support high availability and automated failover.
• Lead the integration with Higher Airspace Traffic Management (HATM) APIs for automated deconfliction and trajectory sharing.
• Develop a "Degraded Operations Mode" framework to ensure the system degrades gracefully during partial failures.
• Implement Zero-Trust security architectures and Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to protect mission-critical assets.
• Create a robust service deployment backbone for navigation planners, risk estimation, and system health monitoring.
• Oversee modern CI/CD pipelines including automated testing, canarying, and automated roll-backs for live flight updates.
• Architect sensor fusion and state estimation frameworks to provide a single source of truth for automation systems.
• Ensure the infrastructure meets external automated monitoring requirements for HATM and other regulatory frameworks.
• Provide remote accessibility architecture allowing authorized personnel to securely manage the fleet from anywhere in the world.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Cultural Bridge: Capable of bridging the gap between fast-paced modern software development and traditional, rigorous aerospace safety cultures.
• Architectural Vision: Ability to design complex, geographically replicated systems for high availability and resiliency.
• Security Mindset: Deeply familiar with Zero-Trust architectures and modern cybersecurity practices.
• Analytical Mindset: Strong troubleshooting and analytical approach to distributed system failures.
• Collaborative: Comfortable working across multi-disciplinary teams including Engineering, Mission Operations, and Safety.
• Ownership: Willingness to take full ownership of the ground automation backbone and drive continuous improvements.

Required:

• Distributed Systems Expertise: Intimately familiar with architecting geographically replicated systems for high availability.
• Cloud & Microservices: Expert knowledge of Kubernetes, containerization, serverless computing, and Protobuf communication.
• Modern Operations (SRE/DevOps): Extensive experience with Site Reliability Engineering (SRE), DevSecOps, and Chaos Engineering.
• Cybersecurity: Deeply familiar with Zero-Trust and PKI implementation.
• Leadership Experience: Proven experience in leading architectural design for complex, high-risk systems.
• Communication: Clear, effective communication across cross-functional teams with the ability to distill complex technical architecture into actionable tasks.

Preferred / Nice to Have:

• Aerospace Integration: Experience with HATM, UTM, or API-based Airspace Management.
• Domain Background: Prior experience in HAPS, UAVs, or large-scale autonomous flight operations.
• Security Research: Familiarity with AI-driven security flaw identification (e.g., Project Glasswing).
• Educational Background: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Aerospace, or a related physical science.

What We Offer:

At Sceye, we’re building more than high-altitude platforms—we’re building a workplace where people (and their pups) thrive. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:

• Chef-Prepared Lunches – Fresh, onsite meals to keep you fueled and focused.
• Snacks & Refreshments – Enjoy a variety of snacks and drinks available throughout the day.
• Wellness Perks – Access to a gym, pickleball court, and an outdoor dog kennel.
• Dog-Friendly Environment – Bring your four-legged friends to work and enjoy a pet-welcoming space.
• Comprehensive Health Coverage – Medical, dental, vision, and disability insurance, with over 82% of premiums covered—and 100% for everything else.
• 401(k) with Match – Company contributions that are yours from day one.
• High-Performance Culture – Join a collaborative, inclusive environment where your work helps shape the future of aerospace.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Sceye is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, especially those who bring unique perspectives and experiences that can help us grow and innovate. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us—we’re happy to assist.